Clip for securing rotating parts

Abstract

A clip to clip independently rotatable parts that must be axially held relative to each other, but not be constrained from sliding axially together. Each part (9, 10) has a bore and an internal annular groove (28) and the clip has transverse flanges (23, 24) that spring out and enter the grooves when the bores are aligned. The clip has a gap so that the cross-section can be changed considerably by gripping holes in the flanges with long-nosed pliars, or other gripping tool, that can enter the internal bores, address the clip to the grooves, and release the clip to enter the grooves. The tool is also used to remove the clip for dissembling the parts. Thus the parts, e.g. mainshaft gears, that have to be slide each way to engage respective dogs, can be replaced individually - in contrast to existing gear-pairs which tend to be unseparable without destruction of the clip (and usually of both gears).

I claim: 
     
       1. A clip (22) comprising a generally circular body having two ends defining a gap (30,42) in the general circle, and resilience to allow firstly a preparatory contraction in the radial cross-section, with reduction of said gap, for the introduction of the clip to a receiving position, and secondly an expansion in cross-section with increase of said gap, for the installation of the clip to a clipping position, wherein the body comprises: a tubular web portion (27,41) and two axially spaced radially projecting flanges (23, 24: 43, 44) therefrom to enable said installation in two internal annular grooves (28):   a formation (31) towards the two ends of at least one of the flanges to enable gripping and transport by a contracting tool to the receiving position; and   one or more holes (47) in the web portion to facilitate resilient contraction thereof.   
     
     
       2. A clip according to claim 1, characterized by further gaps (45, 46) which are located in the flanges (43, 44) at circumferential points where the web (41) is continuous.